By Julian Osamoto
The National Amirah of Fitiyanu Islam of Nigeria and founder of CHAMUS Interfaith Peace Foundation, Ambassador Dr Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim-Mama, has called for calm and peaceful coexistence in Niger State following the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
Ibrahim-Mama made the call in an interview with Democracy Radio to mark the International Day of Peace observed on September 21.
She extended her condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruq Bahago.
Ibrahim-Mama urged residents to remain calm and preserve peace, stressing that ethnic, religious and other differences should not divide Nigerians. «“Nothing should separate us. We are one family under God,” she said.»
She called on Muslims and Christians to work together to promote peaceful coexistence, love and unity across the country.
Ibrahim-Mama also urged Nigerians to support initiatives focused on girl-child education, women’s empowerment, youth development and assistance for widows as well as orphans.
According to her, CHAMUS Interfaith Peace Foundation has been collaborating with international organisations to provide training and empowerment opportunities for vulnerable groups.
“The foundation is also implementing grassroots training for micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs, under its ICSS programme , Inspire, Create, Start and Scale”.
She encouraged MSME operators to register with CHAMUS to access capacity-building opportunities and improve their access to markets. ” the International Day of Peace should remind Nigerians of their shared responsibility to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence”.
